Along the Adriatic & Mediterranean Seas - 2022

Today you’ll board an overnight flight to Barcelona. Or, depart earlier for your pre-trip extension in Madrid, Spain.

Welcome to Barcelona. If you purchased your airfare from Vantage, a representative will meet you at the airport and assist with the transfer or transport to your hotel. You'll arrive this evening in time for a Welcome Briefing and Dinner at the hotel alongside your fellow travelers. 

This morning you'll get to know the sophisticated capital of Catalonia on a panoramic tour that includes the hugely successful revitalization project of Port Vell, the Olympic Village that hosted the 1992 Games. Then, ascend Montjuic for spectacular city views. Continue to the Plaza de España, adorned with Venetian towers and a towering fountain, and to La Sagrada Família cathedral, Antoni Gaudí’s famous masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you'll be able to visit on your own. After seeing the architectural treasures along the tree-lined Passieg de Gràcia — including surreal buildings by Gaudí — there’ll be plenty of time to shop the city’s famous pedestrian-only Las Ramblas. The tour concludes at La Barceloneta Beach, where an included lunch awaits.

Afterward, you may return to La Sagrada Família with individual tickets for entrance. Then, enjoy an evening at leisure with dinner on your own. And after that, prepare yourself for a passionate flamenco performance at a local tablao. This is an experience you won't forget!

Included Feature:

• Full-day Barcelona city tour

Inaugural Feature:

• Flamenco performance at a local tablao

During this free day in Barcelona, you may set your sights on the city’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter, the Barrio Gótico adjacent to Las Ramblas. It is pure delight to follow its labyrinthine streets into intimate squares, or plaças, stopping along the way for a café crema or a lunch of traditional tapas and rioja wine. Browse the colorful food stalls of the Mercat de la Boqueria, a foodie’s paradise for its artisanal cheeses, smoked meats, chocolate truffles, and so much more.

Later this afternoon embark the new Ocean Odyssey. Get settled in your cabin, then take some time to explore its amenities, including the onboard boutique, spa, pool, and gym. Later, gather for the first of your daily port talks to hear about tomorrow’s exciting destination. You'll enjoy your first meal tonight, just a taste of the curated dining we've prepared. Tonight the ship sets sail for Sète.

The seaside resort of Sète is your entrée to two historic treasures. Today, you can select the tour that suits your interest: A full-day tour of Carcassonne, or a half-day tour to Montpellier and Château de Flaugergues.

If you choose the first option, you'll journey to UNESCO-listed Carcassonne, the largest and best preserved fortified medieval town in Europe. Step back in time within its massive walls, exploring narrow, cobbled streets, the breathtaking St. Nazaire Basilica, an 11th-century Romanesque church, the 12th-century Château Comtal and countless other treasures from the Middle Ages. After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the lovely Fontfroide Abbey, founded in 1093, with its hushed cloister and vaulted chapter house. 

Alternately, visit the historic and stylish city of Montpellier, capital of the Languedoc-Rousillon region. In the Old Town, admire elegant mansions and other stunning architecture that fuses the classical and the avant-garde. In the Place de la Comèdie, admire the Three Graces fountain. You will also see the fortress-like Cathedral St. Pierre and the Arc de Triomphe. Later, stop for a tour and wine-tasting at the 18th-century Château de Flaugergues. Romans were the first to cultivate grapes on these grounds 2,000 years ago. After the tasting, you'll be back on board the Ocean Odyssey for lunch and an afternoon at leisure in Sète.

Included Feature:

• Full-day tour of Carcassonne or Half-day tour of Montpellier and Château de Flaugergues

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Steeped in history and boasting a newly revived waterfront, Marseille provides a beguiling glimpse of a French medieval port. From here, you have two ways to delve into the celebrated south of France today: A full-day tour to romantic Provence, or a full-day safari in Camargue National Park.

The first included tour takes you deeper into the heart of Provence. Begin at the Gordes Castle in its namesake town, a picture-postcard hilltop village climbing a slope from the Vaucluse plateau. After, continue to the red cliffs and ochre quarries of Roussillon. The emerald pine trees and vivid blue Provençal sky create a stunning canvas. We provide you some euros to have lunch at a restaurant of your choosing, then it’s on to a walking tour of Aix-en-Provence’s Old Town, strolling under the lovely plane trees of Cours Mirabeau past elegant mansions. If you wish, you may visit Paul Cézanne’s atelier during your free time.

Your second tour option is decidedly wilder. Head into Camargue National Park to explore the vast Rhône River Delta, a pristine region of swamps, river tendrils and ponds teeming with numerous bird species, including the pink flamingo. Throughout your safari, you will pause as opportunities arise to view the region’s wild Camargue horses and bulls grazing as manades, or free-roaming herds. You will visit a working farm to learn more about the horses and bulls and stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

After dinner, we have invited local performers to entertain you with dances and songs of their country.

Included Feature:

• Full-day excursion to Provence or Camargue National Park

Cultural Discoveries:

• Onboard lecture
• Evening onboard entertainment

Arrive this morning in Monte Carlo, capital of the tiny independent principality of Monaco. Playground to well-heeled Europeans, this sovereign nation has been ruled by the Grimaldis since the 13th century. You will arrive via the world-famous Grand Prix track of Formula One fame. Then, marvel at the world-renowned Belle Époque Grand Casino, a vision of extravagance and wealth. See the lush gardens, too, before viewing the Hôtel de Paris, a 19th-century grand dame. In the historic quarter of Le Rocher (“The Rock”), admire stunning sea views 200 feet below while strolling past the Prince’s Palace, just in time to see the Changing of the Guard. Nearby, the neo-Romanesque Monaco Cathedral is a vision in white; the Grimaldis, including Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, are entombed here. After seeing the Justice Palace, your tour ends at the Oceanographic Museum, another neo-classical gem.

After lunch on board, perhaps you’ll stroll the streets of Monte Carlo to take in its monumental architecture. Later, an onboard lecture fills you in on more fascinating details about this glittering Mediterranean coastline.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Monte Carlo city tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Savor your dinner with a resplendent view of Monte Carlo’s waterfront as we sail out toward Marseille

This morning, enjoy breakfast and an early lunch as the Ocean Odyssey nears Corsica. This mountainous Mediterranean outpost offers a fascinating glimpse of France in the middle of the Mediterranean. With its chalk-white coastal cliffs and rugged vistas, it is one of the area’s most breathtaking islands — known to the French as “l’Île de Beauté.” Arriving midday, you set out to explore Bonifacio, its castle and pastel-hued Old Town perched on a cliff edge. Explore its Gothic church, the only one on the island, and climb if you wish the 189 steps of the Roy d’Aragon. Then, embark a small boat for a thrilling expedition to explore the Lavezzi Islands and their dramatic cliffs and sea caves carved by the surf over millennia. An onboard lecture this afternoon reveals more about this seldom-visited corner of the Mediterranean.

Included Feature:

• Half-day Bonifacio city tour

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Your first impression of Corsica comes from Porto Vecchio, where we’ll soon dock. Here, sailboats dot the coast and apricot-hued buildings crown the forested hills, giving this harbor its fairytale charm

Arrive this morning along the legendary Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where seaside villages and dizzying cliffs create a dreamy landscape. No visit here is complete without a tour of Pompeii, the ancient city buried by the ash of Vesuvius in 79 AD. A walking tour with a private guide helps you step back 2,000 years into a world of cobbled lanes worn by horse-drawn cart wheels, fascinating villas still adorned by colorful murals, Roman baths, the old forum, and more.

This afternoon, take part in something truly extraordinary — don't forget your camera! We've coordinated an afternoon lunch visit to a local farm, where you'll meet your hosts for a tour and a class in creating the perfect pizza, the famed cuisine of nearby Naples.

Back on board, learn more about local history and culture before another delectable dinner brings you even more flavors of this region.

Included Feature:

• Half-day tour of Pompeii

Inaugural Feature:

• Home-hosted lunch with pizza-making demonstration at a local farm

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• The Gulf of Naples is a sight to behold. Get an extraordinary sea view of Naples, fearsome Mount Vesuvius, and nearby Sorrento — a town that’s literally on another level, sitting atop sheer cliffs

It is only because of our small ship size that we can pause for a day to explore the Aeolian Islands, Italy’s archipelago northwest of Sicily. Beauty greets you at every turn on these soaring, majestic volcanic islands. You anchor off the shore of Lipari and tender to Marina Corta, walking with your guide along the via Garibaldi. At the Rock of the Castle, set high on a promontory, peer deep into the island’s past at an archaeological site and visit the Cathedral of Bartholomew, the island’s patron saint. Then, get a panoramic view of the island, visiting the villages of Quattrocchi and Quattropani. As you explore, enjoy splendid views of other Aeolian Islands, including Stromboli with its ever-active towering volcano. You will also stop to take in the vistas of Lipari Beach and observe the ubiquitous pumice stone deposited here by volcanic eruptions from millennia past. After lunch on board, enjoy leisure time in Lipari. 

This afternoon’s onboard lecture provides more fascinating context to this legendary part of the Mediterranean.

This evening, shipboard commentary accompanies our scenic cruising among the magnificent Aeolian Islands.

Included Features:

• Half-day walking tour of Lipari
• Panoramic coach tour around Lipari

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Scenic Sailing:

• Cruise among the Aeolian Islands with shipboard commentary

From your anchor in Giardini Naxos, you head to Taormina, the historic city set on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea. This chic resort town offers splendid views of Mount Etna in the distance and a charming medieval ambience. During your tour, admire the Moorish and Islamic influences in the exterior of the 15th-century Palazzo Carvaia. Continue to the fantastic Greek Theater, originally built in the 3rd century by Romans. You can marvel at its coastal vistas before heading to the Public Gardens, boasting some 200 species. Take time to sample a refreshing granita while here, then we provide you with the euros you’ll need to enjoy lunch at an inviting spot of your choosing.

This afternoon, continue to soak up Taormina’s refreshing views. A shuttle will usher you back and forth to the ship. Later, another onboard lecture deepens your understanding of the region. This evening, get into the rhythms of the Triskele Band, named for the three-legged triskelion symbol on the Sicilian flag.

Included Feature:

• Half-day tour of Taormina

Cultural Discovery:

• Evening onboard entertainment: performance by a Sicilian band

Scenic Sailing:

• As we depart, enjoy views of Taormina on the cliffs above — and get your camera ready to capture a postcard-perfect shot of the beach with Mount Etna in the background

Arrive on the shores of Sicily today, the breathtaking island at the tip of Italy’s toe. Your discoveries begin in UNESCO-listed Syracuse, where ancient Greek ruins and antique Italian charm fuse into one splendid island called Ortigia.

On a walking tour, head to the Old Town with its narrow cobblestoned lanes and welcoming piazzas. You’ll visit an archaeological area to view the remains of the Temple of Apollo and the gorgeous Fountain of Arethusa, a natural fountain with roots in Greek mythology, before lunch calls us back to the ship. Your afternoon is at leisure to continue your explorations in Syracuse. Later, you'll have dinner onboard.

Included Feature:

• Half-day guided tour of Syracuse

Relax with a day at sea as the Ocean Odyssey makes its way into the heart of the Mediterranean. Visit the spa, get in a workout at the gym, lounge in the swimming pool, relax on the sun deck catching up with a great book, and savor the fabulous cuisine our chefs create. You'll enjoy another scintillating lecture to enrich your understanding of Mediterranean history. 

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Uncover the rich Greek, Venetian and Ottoman past of the Peloponnese today during your visit to Pylos. A scenic drive takes you first to Methoni, an important port in the 13th century. Its stunning fortress, a shining example of Venetian, Ottoman and French military architecture, is surrounded on three sides by the sea and on the landward side by an old moat. Back in Pylos, explore the Ottoman castle of Neokastro, one of Greece’s best preserved. Continue to the newly restored Mycenaean Palace of Nestor, a compound of four buildings and 105 apartments.

After lunch on board, you may continue to explore Pylos at your leisure. Today’s onboard lecture reveals more about the sites of the storied Peloponnese Peninsula.

Included Features:

• Scenic tour of Methoni
• Tour of Neokastro and Palace of Nestor

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Arrive this morning in Gythion, with ties to the legendary Trojan War. From here, head inland on the Peloponnese Peninsula to Mystras, the last stronghold of the Byzantines. This stunning site atop Mount Taygetos was a Byzantine center of culture in the 14th and 15th centuries. Stroll the narrow lanes of the once-invincible fortress, viewing the stone-carved facades of the Cathedral of Agios Dimitrios, where Constantine XII was coronated, the Church of Agia Sophia, the sprawling Palace of the Despots, and the Monastery of Pantanassa, with its brilliant frescoes.

You have the afternoon at leisure to enjoy your ship’s amenities, perhaps swimming in the infinity pool or visiting the spa. Learn more about the day’s experience during today’s onboard lecture before another evening of culinary delights.

Included Feature:

• Half-day historical tour of Mystras

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

The small island of Monemvasia simply takes the breath away. The small size of our ship allows us to dock on its shores so you can explore this seldom-visited enclave. Called “The Rock" for its massive dominating rock, it is truly a unique and thrilling slice of the Aegean. Walk the charming narrow streets of its fortress, passing Byzantine churches and old houses with graceful archways. Visit the 13th-century Church of Christ Elkomenos, home to impressive old Byzantine icons. Continue to the Liotrivi Mansion, surrounded by vineyards whose grapes produce the famed Malvasia wine. The Byzantine-era setting provides the ideal atmosphere for a wine tasting. You are welcomed by the vintner, who leads you on a tour of the centuries-old property before popping open a bottle or two for your sampling. After lunch on board, you have the afternoon to stroll the atmospheric streets of Monemvasia on your own.

Later today, a lecture illuminates more about this historic region. This evening, we welcome local entertainers on board for a lively cultural performance.

Included Feature:

•  Half-day tour of Monemvasia Castle and Liotrivi

Cultural Discoveries

• Wine tour and sampling at Liotrivi Mansion
• Onboard lecture
• Evening onboard entertainment: local cultural performance

Your day begins with a delicious breakfast as the ship arrives in Nafplion. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Arcadian Mountains, this ancient city enjoys a sheltered location below a rocky headland. Admire its impressive Venetian castle as you approach. Then, set out to discover two of Greece’s most renowned ancient sites. First, explore the ancient healing center of Epidaurus. UNESCO has described its Sanctuary of Asklepios as “one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture.” The sanctuary was dedicated to the god of medicine. You will also view its remarkably preserved amphitheater built into a mountain slope, still celebrated for its excellent acoustics. After, continue to the ruins of Mycenae, the Bronze Age capital of one of the first great empires of the ancient Mediterranean and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Look for the massive archway with the carved lions, the symbol of the ancient city-state.

After lunch on board, you’ll have the afternoon to explore Nafplion at your leisure. Our onboard lecture today provides insight into the ancient Greeks. This evening, you'll have an indulgent choice of culinary experiences onboard the ship.

Included Feature:

•  Half-day excursion to Epidaurus and Mycenae

This morning, enjoy a panoramic tour of Athens, the sophisticated capital of Greece. Mythology and ancient history come alive here, as you’ll see at the iconic Acropolis. It was here that Poseidon and Athena were said to have fought to determine who would be patron of the city. This was the architectural pinnacle of Athens, crowned by its breathtaking Parthenon. You’ll also visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Pan Athenian Stadium, and the Presidential Palace. Along the famed Panepistimiou Avenue, pass the Catholic Cathedral, Academy of Athens, the University of Athens, and the National Library. Enjoy lunch on your own, perhaps dining in the charming Plaka district, nestled at the foot of Acropolis Hill.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Athens. Tonight, the ship sets sail for Itea.

Included Feature:

• Athens panoramic walking tour, including the Acropolis

Scenic Sailing:

• Enjoy beautiful blue views through the Corinth Canal

This morning after breakfast and an onboard lecture, you'll dock on Greece's mainland coast at Itea and be transported to nearby UNESCO-listed Delphi. Once known as the center of the world by ancient Greek mythologists, Delphi has been revered as a hotspot of ancient Greek culture and archeology for centuries and you'll see its highlights today. 

Included Feature:

• Tour of Delphi

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Today, you'll have a full day at the location where the ancient Olympic Games originated — in Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by a natural setting of beauty and serenity, the archeological site dates back to the 10th century B.C., where it first became a sanctuary for the gods and a place to worship Zeus. Alongside temples, there's remains of various sporting venues from the festive games that began in 776 BC.

In the afternoon, you'll be delighted to join in on a traditional Greek lunch at the Magna Grecia, a Greek farm. Sample its house made wine and olive oils while being regaled with local entertainment to boot.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Olympia

Cultural Discovery:

• Visit to a Greek farm with lunch

Enjoy a splendid day on the scenic island of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with Venetian inspiration and a lively local lifestyle. You'll have the opportunity to explore Corfu town on the east side, full of traditional bars, restaurants, and shops framed by winding alleyways.

During your time in Corfu, you'll indulge in a tour of one of its most famed attractions — the elegant Achilleion Palace. Dating back to 1890, this property was the brainchild of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, who was fond of the island and visited often. Each floor is adorned with lavish decor, including bronze and stone statues of fabled Greek gods in the palace and the surrounding gardens.

After your tour, enjoy lunch back on board and a relaxing afternoon at leisure.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Corfu
• Tour of Achilleion Palace

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Have a scenic breakfast as you sail into the coast of Montenegro. Tucked away at the head of the bay is Kotor, a fortified medieval town. Here, you’ll learn the history of the town — which is believed to stretch back as far as the first century — while you walk the charming tangle of Old World streets. The views are sure to take your breath away, from medieval churches to staggering mountains.

Heading toward Dubrovnik, Croatia, you’ll follow the winding Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its narrow profile and steep walls, Kotor’s bay is often called Europe’s southernmost fjord. Technically, however, the bay is not a true, glacier-carved fjord, but rather a ria, or submerged river valley. You'll enjoy commentary onboard about this bay as you sail, and later an onboard lecture about the "Dubrovnik Republic" before dinner on the ship.

Included Feature:

• Tour of Kotor
• Sail through UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor

Cultural Discoveries:

• Bay of Kotor commentary
• Onboard Lecture: Dubrovnik Republic

Today, your carefully selected local guide will lead you through Dubrovnik's Old City — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — introducing you to its most heralded landmarks, as well as its hidden gems. Following the tour, you’ll relax in a centuries-old church for a Vantage-exclusive private classical concert by the Sorkočević Quartet, who are members of the Croatian National Philharmonic Orchestra.

Return to your ship for lunch, then enjoy a leisurely afternoon. You'll be supplied with a one-day Dubrovnik card, which provides free entrance to numerous sites around the city, including access to the walkway atop the walls surrounding the Old City. Your Cruise Director will be happy to recommend activities to do and places to see.

Included Feature:

• Half-day tour of Dubrovnik’s Old City

Cultural Discovery:

• Classical concert

An idyllic Mediterranean port, Hvar is a popular celebrity destination known for its vast fields of lavender, ancient olive trees, and fruit orchards. Set off on a guided walking tour this morning and learn the port town's history, hear about local legends, and visit the lace museum, inside the Benedictine Monastery.

Later, discover even more on an island tour, including a visit to Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return for lunch on board and take the afternoon to explore Hvar at your leisure. You may also choose to go swimming, snorkeling, or fishing (weather permitting). Active travelers shouldn't miss the walk to Hvar Fortress, with entrance included.

We'll set sail for Split, and you'll enjoy a lecture entitled "Mediterranean Diet & Local Products." After arriving in Split, take in an evening entertainment by a local folkloric ensemble.

Included Features:

• Tour of Hvar town
• Hvar island tour with Stari Grad Plain

Cultural Discoveries:

• Onboard lecture on the Mediterranean diet, with product sampling
• Evening onboard entertainment

Welcome to Split, one of the oldest cities in this historic region. Explore ancient Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which the emperor chose as his retirement home because of the area’s spectacular beauty. Your special tour also takes you into the mysterious passages in the lower levels of the palace’s massive structure — Game of Thrones fans will recognize this site as one of the show's filming locations! 

During lunchtime, enjoy scenic sailing as the Ocean Odyssey heads from Split to Šibenik. Upon arrival, set off on a walking tour among the medieval streets, where you’ll see the Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Included Features:

• Tour of Split and Diocletian's Palace
• Šibenik guided walking tour

Cultural Discoveries:

• Onboard lecture
• Evening onboard entertainment

Following breakfast this morning, you'll have a little free time in Šibenik. You'll be back on board for lunch and scenic sailing. As we cruise to Zadar — another coastal gem that was named Europe's top destination in 2016 and was inducted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 — you'll have an afternoon lecture to prepare you for your walking tour. This Roman-era city boasts a historic blend of Ancient, Renaissance, Romanesque, and medieval architecture. You'll have the chance to tour the UNESCO-listed Historic Defense Walls in the city, dating back to the 1500s.

Included Feature:

• Guided walking tour of Zadar

Cultural Discovery:

• Onboard lecture

Discover one of the most beautiful regions of Croatia on a full-day tour of the western Istrian Peninsula. Explore Pula Arena, Europe's most complete Roman amphitheater, when we stop in the ancient town of Pula. You'll be able to go beneath the arena floor to see the actual passageways and rooms where gladiators and their foes, including wild animals, awaited their turn in combat. We'll have lunch back on the ship before scenic sailing takes us to the picturesque coastal town of Rovinj, which was part of Venice's mercantile empire and has a distinctive Venetian aspect to it.

For the best views of the town and the harbor, make the mile-and-a-quarter trek uphill to the Church of St. Euphemia — it's well worth the effort!

This evening, enjoy your dinner on board with klapa singers, a UNESCO protected cultural heritage of Croatia.

• Pula tour with visit to the Pula Arena
• Walking tour in Rovinj

Cultural Discovery:

• Klapa singers performance

After breakfast, you'll disembark the Ocean Odyssey and say goodbye to your ship before transferring to the lovely seaside town of Opatija through Slovenia. Then, enjoy a walking tour of Opatija, which once catered to European royalty with stately villas, seaside promenade, and lovely gardens. Lunch is on your own.

Enjoy a walk along the Opatija Promenade for lovely views and perhaps stop for a bite to eat or a drink. How far you go is up to you — a round trip walk can cover up to 7.5 miles and, in total, connects seven towns and villages of the Opatija Riviera.

Later, you'll transfer to your hotel in Zagreb, paired with a lecture about this Croatian city during a lovely scenic drive through the Croatian Highlands. At the hotel this evening, you'll have a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travelers.

Included Feature:

• Half-day guided tour of Opatija

Cultural Discovery:

• Lecture on Zagreb

You'll met your expert local guide this morning for a tour of Zagreb. View the city’s impressive landmarks, including the Croatian National Theater and Opera House, Croatian Parliament, Prime Minister's office, St. Mark’s Square, the Old City, the Stone Gate, and Zagreb Cathedral.

Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, perhaps visiting the city's Museum of Broken Relationships. Zagreb also has one of the world's most extensive tram systems. So, consider boarding the local tram to Jarun Lake and Park. There, you can enjoy the walking trails or rent a bike to go for a spin. Your Vantage Cruise Director will be happy to assist with directions or suggestions of other activities. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Included Feature:

• Half-day panoramic and walking tour of Zagreb

Following breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer to the Zagreb airport for your flight home. Or, continue to Bled, Slovenia, for your post-trip extension.